"Why should I go?" I answered, "seeing that whoever wins I may be
killed, and that if Cetewayo wins I shall certainly be killed, and all
for no reward."
"Nay, Macumazahn; I will give orders that whoever conquers, the man that
dares to lift a spear against you shall die. In this matter, at least, I
shall not be disobeyed. Oh! I pray you, do not desert me in my trouble.
Go down with the regiment that I shall send and breathe your wisdom into
the ear of my son, Umbelazi. As for your reward, I swear to you by the
head of the Black One [Chaka] that it shall be great. I will see to it
that you do not leave Zululand empty-handed, Macumazahn."
Still I hesitated, for I mistrusted me of this business.
"O Watcher-by-Night," exclaimed Panda, "you will not desert me, will
you? I am afraid for the son of my heart, Umbelazi, whom I love above
all my children; I am much afraid for Umbelazi," and he burst into tears
before me.
It was foolish, no doubt, but the sight of the old King weeping for his
best-beloved child, whom he believed to be doomed, moved me so much that
I forgot my caution.
"If you wish it, O Panda," I said, "I will go down to the battle with
your regiment and stand there by the side of the Prince Umbelazi."